I think we need one!
How to make a Theremin or Ondes Martenot sound Obviously, those
instruments have their unique playing controls and Ondes Martenot
also has those special speakers. Still, even their raw sound seems
to be somewhat magical. I don't think it can be properly reproduced
with standard analog synthesizer components.
- It is often said, that Theremin sound resembles sine wave.
However, for example the sound used by Clara Rockmore (often referred
as the best ever Thereminist) is actually quite "earthly". And Ondes
Martenot can even make a nasal or buzzy sound especially in the low
register. Listen here:
http://www.archive.org/details/Harada
(track no 5 "Thermal
Conductivity")
http://www.cmusge.ch/recherche/zea/martenot.html
(lots of different
sounds)
- The Theremin/Ondes Martenot timbre correlates with pitch. This is
musically important and sounds different from the normal VCO+VCF
application. It is explained here:
http://www.paia.com/ProdArticles/thereton.htm
Note the part: "Some listeners find the sound of the current crop [of
Theremins] to be lacking in this kind of character"
A "Doepfer Theremin (and Ondes Martenot) oscillator" might be very
useful and musical. Think about the status value! :) - The Ondes
Martenot is practically the only electronic instrument, which is
used in symphony orchestra...
The hypothetical module should have an adjustment for timbre and
perhaps for timbre/pitch correlation too... What do you think
Best regards
Jari jokinen